London Southend Airport

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Welcome to our second Annual Report. Following the successful completion of
phase one of the London Southend Airport’s redevelopment programme
Alastair Welch moved on from his position as Managing Director and was
replaced by myself. I am grateful for the continued support of the Operations
Director David Lister and the London Southend Airport team.
With the opening of a new terminal building in 2012 and the establishment of an
easyJet base, coupled with the growth from Aer Lingus Regional and Thomson/
First Choice, London Southend Airport has been the fastest growing airport in
Europe in both 2012 and 2013.
This report details our performance against a number of planning conditions for
the period March 2013 to February 2014. I am pleased that in the current
economic environment, the airport has delivered against its promises for growth
and employment whilst performing well against set targets. We continue to
take positive steps in reducing our environmental impacts whilst helping to
boost jobs and regeneration in the local area.
As we move forward, we remain committed to providing excellent customer
service whilst operating the airport sustainably, understanding both the needs
of the local community and our passengers.
Roger Clements
Managing Director, Stobart Aviation, London Southend Airport
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1
Development
1
2
Airport Surface Access Strategy (ASAS)
5
3
Employment
11
4
Quiet Ground Operations
14
5
Noise
15
6
Air Quality
26
7
Carbon & Environmental Management
29
8
Aircraft Transport Movement (ATM) controls
34
9
Departures
37
10
Charity & Community
41
11
Feedback
43
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Over £120 million has been invested in London Southend Airport by owners the Stobart Group
since it was acquired in 2008. New facilities include a train station on the London Liverpool
Street line, an Air Traffic Control Tower, terminal building, runway extension, 4-star Holiday Inn
and radar. To support the airport’s rapid growth, work on a £10 million extension to the terminal
came to a completion in February 2014 with the terminal being officially opened by the
Secretary of State for Transport in April 2014.
Officially opened by the Minister for the Thames Gateway, Bob Neill MP on 21 July 2011.
The tower is 26m tall and contains an approach radar control room in addition to the visual
control room at the top of the building. This ‘cab’ offers panoramic views of the airfield and
wider Thames Gateway area, with air traffic controllers able to see over 20 miles on a clear day,
with radar coverage over a far wider range.
Officially opened by the Minister of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers MP on 21
September 2011.
A key part of the airport development has been connectivity with central London and the Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. The new privately funded railway station provides a
covered over-bridge and sheltered platforms.
There are up to eight trains an hour into central London and Stratford with the railway station
located under 100 paces from the new passenger terminal.
As part of the station project 350 adjacent car parking spaces were also constructed.
Opened in March 2012. The runway is now 1856m in length and 37m wide.
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Officially opened to passengers by the Secretary of State for Transport The Rt. Hon. Justine
Greening MP on 5 March 2012.
Phase 1 of the terminal is 60m by 40m in size. Phase 2 construction began in late 2012 and
completed in February 2014.
Opened during July 2012.
A state of the art handling facility, the new Executive Handling area includes; a meeting room
(complete with full video conferencing technology), a pilot’s rest zone and facilities for
chauffeurs who are waiting for passengers.
Opened during October 2012.
The hotel provides high quality and convenient facilities for airport passengers and staff, as well
as local business users. The five-storey hotel has a rooftop bar and restaurant and is just a few
minutes walk from the London Southend Airport terminal and railway station.
The hotel offers 129 bedrooms including 28 Executive rooms and four King Superior rooms
over its five floors.
Opened during April 2014.
The Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP, Secretary of State for Transport, declared the extension to
London Southend Airport’s terminal officially open.
He was joined by Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler and London Southend Airport Operations
Director David Lister, along with local dignitaries, to unveil a commemorative plaque marking
the successful completion of the final phase of the airport’s six-year, £120 million
redevelopment.
With the opening of Phase 2 there is significant additional capacity being made available to
London Southend Airport which provides operators with the opportunity to cost effectively base
aircraft in the London market.
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In 2011 London Southend Airport offered regular passenger services with Aer Lingus Regional,
operated by Aer Arann, to Galway and Waterford in the Republic of Ireland, plus a Flybe
service to Jersey in the Channel Islands.
In 2012 London Southend Airport was very pleased to welcome easyJet as a new based airline
operator. Within the reporting period March 13 - February 14 easyJet based four of their Airbus
319’s and one Airbus 320 at London Southend Airport which offered departures each week to
Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Edinburgh, Faro, Geneva, Ibiza, Jersey, Krakow,
Majorca, Malaga, Tenerife and Venice.
Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann, also expanded its services from London
Southend Airport, scheduling three daily flights to Dublin with onwards connections to USA and
Canadian destinations (Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, San Francisco and Toronto).
Flybe announced in early 2014 that it would be starting regular services with London Southend
Airport to a variety of UK and Northern European destinations including; Antwerp, CaenNormandy, Groningen, Maastricht, Munster-Osnabruck, Newquay and Rennes.
In July 2012 TUI (First Choice and Thomson) announced that they would be starting a weekly
service to Palma, Majorca, to offer their wide variety of package holidays from London
Southend Airport.
We continue to talk to different airlines and tour operators about future operations at London
Southend Airport.
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London Southend Airport was rated highest in easyJet’s Customer Satisfaction Survey across
European airports in January 2013.
Over 26,000 passengers were asked for their opinion when travelling through London’s newest
airport, which resulted in a satisfaction score of 92% - the highest result. This beat scores from
more than one hundred airports across Europe, including other London airports such as Luton,
Gatwick and Stansted.
The research showed that 95% were satisfied with London Southend Airport, 98% were
satisfied with the length of time at check in and 100% of passengers were satisfied with the
efficiency of check-in staff. The punctuality of easyJet’s flights from London Southend also
featured highly, along with the warmth and friendliness of the London Southend based crew.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council awarded the Holiday Inn Southend a design commendation
for new build 2013. The panel of assessors visited all the schemes entered for the awards. The
panel thought that the hotel had created a new landmark for the town and that it integrated well
with the airport complex as a whole. They considered that the rooftop restaurant and viewing
area in particular had made taken full advantage of the aspect overlooking the airport and was
an asset to the scheme.
In January 2014 London Southend Airport was presented with the ‘Ground Operations Medium
Volume Airport of the Year 2013’ at the easyJet Spirit Awards.
The award is presented to an airport which has achieved the most impressive results meeting
easyJet’s objectives for on time performance, customer satisfaction and overall operational
performance.
In August 2013 London Southend Airport beat all other UK airports to be named best in Britain
in the latest Which? airport passenger survey.
The airport topped the poll with a customer score of 84% and a maximum five star rating in five
of the ten categories assessed.
Categories surveyed included speed of check-in, airport security, passport control, information
and navigation, airport design (all of which London Southend scored the maximum five stars),
plus airport environment, food outlets, shops, toilets, facilities.
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London Southend Airport has continued to work with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, Rochford
District Council and Essex County Council to deliver the Airport Surface Access Strategy (ASAS).
This included a number of targets and commitments to actively promote and monitor the use of
sustainable transport. The ASAS can be found at www.southendairport.com/environmentalresponsibilities.
Overall, London Southend Airport has continued to perform well against the targets and
commitments. The rail station, located less than 100 paces from the passenger terminal,
continues to attract passengers and total air passenger use of public transport is ahead of the
target. London Southend Airport has worked with its rail and airline partners to enable train tickets
to be purchased on flights and to provide information about public transport. The airports highest
priorities are to seek improved early morning and late evening trains which serve early and late
flights, and to ensure that the quality of the trains is improved.
London Southend Airport is committed to providing sufficient, reasonably priced, safe onsite car
parking for both air passengers and staff to enable them to park with confidence and minimise
road mileage. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has undertaken surveys of parking in streets
near the airport in response to concerns that airport-related parking might be causing
inconvenience to local residents. The evidence collected during the day, at night and at weekends
suggests that no streets are full, although some locations are at more than 70% of capacity. This
is below the level at which a residents parking scheme would normally be considered. For London
Southend Airports part, parking within the airport peaked at around 50% of capacity and we have a
contingency plan for implementing additional spaces if required.
A commitment in the ASAS is to hold an Airport Transport Forum and these have taken place in
December 2012 and February 2014. This is attended by local authorities, local community
representatives, transport operators and other stakeholders.
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The air passenger survey of 2012 remains the source of data on air passenger travel. Research undertaken in 2013 by London Southend Airport asked potential passengers
how they would get to and from the Airport. This is different from the sample used in the 2012 survey which was from actual passengers. Nevertheless it is useful to see if the
results are similar. The 2013 research showed that 22% of potential passengers would use rail as their first choice, with a further 5% choosing bus or coach. Further data on
rail usage is provided by the Office of Rail Regulations statistics on station entries and exits, which were 340,000 in 2012-2013 for Southend Airport Station although this figure
includes all rail passengers, not just air passengers. Nevertheless, these figures are sufficiently close to corroborate the 2012 survey data.
The key headlines from the survey were:
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29% of air passengers used public
transport, ahead of the target which is
20% by the time the Airport reaches
1.5mppa and 25% by 2mppa
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25% of air passengers used rail and 4%
used bus and coach
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59% of air passengers used private
cars, with 29% setting down, 3% using
the short stay car park, 19% using onairport long stay and 7% using offairport long stay car parks
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1% of air passengers used rental cars
and 9% used taxis
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A staff travel survey was undertaken in September 2013. Previous surveys in 2012, 2010 and 2006 had not produced consistent results due to changes in circumstances or
weather conditions at the time of survey. The 2013 survey involved 22% of staff, mostly from the airport and its associated companies, easyjet and ATC Lasham.
Compared with previous surveys, the percentage using car alone had reduced and now meets the target of 65%. The shares of other modes were all relatively small, but
cycling, walking and train use had increased since 2012. Analysis of mode share by postcode showed that sustainable modes were most used by staff living in SS postcodes
(because they lived closer where cycling and walking are possible). Train was most used by staff living in SS and London postcodes, which are best served by the rail line.
Analysis of mode share by shift pattern showed that those on shift are higher users of car alone, while day staff are more likely to use public transport and other sustainable
modes.
The 2013 staff travel survey also asked which mode is sometimes used, or never used, and the reasons why. This indicated that there is occasional greater use of sustainable
modes, or that staff do not always use the same mode. For those never using a particular mode, the reasons were that shift patterns make car sharing and public transport
difficult, while cycling and walking is not suitable for longer distances.
The key results were:
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78% of staff home addresses
were in SS postcodes, 11% in
CM, 5% in London and 4% in
Colchester, Cambridge and
Ipswich
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61% of staff used car alone on
the day of the survey, and 10%
shared their car journey
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2% of staff used motorcycles, 5%
used bicycles and 7% walked to
work
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3% of staff used bus and 11%
used the train to work
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A summary of the ASAS and ATP targets and incentives are shown in the table below. The airport’s performance against the set targets has been rated as follows;
Target bettered - The airport has achieved more than the set target
Progress made - The target has not yet been achieved but progress
has been made
Target achieved - All actions have been completed and performance has reached target level
Target not achieved - The targets have not been met although some
actions may have been taken to achieve results
ASAS Ref
Target
Timescale
Commentary
Rating
Mode Share ASAS 1
Air passenger public transport
mode share should be at least
20% by 1.5mppa and 25% by
2mppa
When passenger
numbers reach 1.5
and 2mppa
The threshold of passenger numbers has not yet been reached, however the passenger travel
survey undertaken in Autumn 2012 showed a public transport mode share of 29% - due
largely to the investment of £16m in a new rail station opposite the passenger terminal
Mode Share ASAS 2
Staff mode share should not
exceed 65% using car alone
On-going
From the staff travel survey undertaken in September 2013, the percentage of staff using
single occupancy cars was 61%.
Travel planning ASAS
3/
ATP 1
Produce an Area Wide Airport
Travel Plan sponsored by the
Airport’s major employers
By runway
extension opening
(March 2012)
Achieved by the publication of the Airport Surface Access Strategy
Travel planning ASAS
4/
ATP 2
Designate a Travel Plan Coordinator to monitor the
Travel Plan and progress new
initiatives
By runway
extension opening
(March 2012)
Achieved by the appointment of Jo Marchetti as the Travel Plan Co-ordinator at the Airport
Transport Forum in November 2011
Travel Information
ASAS 5
Provide real-time, web-based
onward travel information and
smart ticketing facilities in the
rail station and terminal
By the opening of
the new terminal
(March 2012)
Smart ticketing machines were introduced to the airport rail station in September 2011 and
live rail information is provided. General onward travel information is currently provided by
airport staff. The provision of real-time, web-based onward travel information was delayed,
but will be installed into the new arrivals area of the terminal extension. Ticket machines for
rail travel are also planned for the new arrivals area.
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Travel Information
ASAS 6
On-going
Achieved by the provision of a dedicated ‘Onward Travel’ page on the Airport website
www.southendairport.com
Surveys
ATP 3
ATP 15
Surveys
ATP 4
Ensure current public transport
information is readily available
to the public via the internet
Air passenger surveys to be
undertaken to determine
mode share
Staff travel surveys to be
undertaken
Sept/Oct 2012
Surveys undertaken in Autumn 2012 – 418 questionnaires were completed and the results
shared with the Airport Transport Forum in Dec 2012
2012
Surveys undertaken in December 2012 and September 2013. In the 2013 survey 232
questionnaires were completed and the results shared with the Airport Transport Forum in
Walking & Cycling
ATP 5
All new developments will
include good pedestrian access
On-going
Walking & Cycling
ATP 6
All new developments will
include secure cycle parking,
showers and lockers. Demand
for cycle parking to be
monitored and additional cycle
racks provided when required.
Travel Plan Co-ordinator to
arrange cycle promotions.
Work with train operators to
promote and market rail
services to staff and air
passengers
On-going
Achieved by the pedestrian facilities provided at the new terminal, railway station and hotel
that opened in 2011 and 2012 and the terminal extension which opened in stages from 2013.
A covered, step-free walkway was installed between the rail station and passenger terminal
Secure cycle racks now provided in station car park and staff car park. Showers and lockers
provided in staff facilities. Cycle promotions arranged by Travel Plan Co-ordinator. Demand
for cycle parking monitored and additional cycle parking has been provided in the staff car
park.
On-going
Flight timetable information provided to train operators. Trains to Southend Airport shown on
London Underground route maps. 2012 Airport advertising campaign promoted rail access.
2014 radio campaign includes rail access. No joint activity
Work with airlines to provide
train information and sell train
On-going
easyJet sell train tickets on board their flights. Based airlines and tour operators provide train
information on their websites.
Airport to work with rail
industry partners to seek
improvements
Airport to engage with bus and
coach operators to identify
route gaps and seek discounts
for staff travel
On-going
Early morning and late trains requested to service flights but declined by rail industry partners.
Quality improvements to rolling stock being considered by rail industry partners but with
limited joint activity.
On-going discussions with First Group and Arriva about the X30 and local services 7, 8 & 9 and
with potential new operators. Discounts available for staff but rarely used.
Rail
ATP 7
Bus & Coach ATP 8
On-going
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Car Sharing ATP 9
On-going
In 2013, 10% of staff car share, a slight increase on the 2012 figure. Essex liftshare information
is provided to new staff, but most sharing is informal. Shift patterns reduce sharing potential.
Car Sharing ATP 10
To investigate car-sharing
schemes and reserve car
parking spaces for car sharers
Car Clubs to be investigated
On-going
Car Parking ATP 11
Electric charging points
Summer 2012
Car Parking ATP 12
Monitor car parking demand
Summer 2012
Summer 2012
Staff
ATP 13
Remote valet car parking
contingency plan
New staff to be made aware of
sustainable travel options
Airport to participate in
promotion and marketing
sustainable travel
ATF to meet in 2012
On-going
The airport has investigated the use of schemes such as Zip-Car which provide short term
hourly car rental, however it was concluded that Car Clubs are not suitable for staff and air
passengers are sufficiently catered for by standard rental cars.
This has been delayed due to the re-allocation of car parking areas. Our aim is to provide
charging points to car rental providers once the final car parking areas have been established.
Demand has been monitored throughout 2012 and 2013 and data supplied to local authorities.
Demand has been well below supply.
The remote valet car parking contingency plan was put in place and remains so, but was not
required to be implemented.
A staff travel information leaflet is distributed to all staff and displayed in staff rest rooms.
Travel information is discussed with new staff as part of their induction. Travel information will
be regularly reviewed and updated.
Major multi media advertising campaign in Spring 2012 to advertise and promote rail travel
and the new airport train. Current radio advertising campaign and ongoing website marketing.
Marketing ATP 14
Airport
ATP 16
On-going
2012
The first meeting of the ATF was held in December 2012. The forum is now well established
and met again in February 2014.
A TLG, consisting of the local authorities and the Airport met three times in 2013 and is now
reviewing the ASAS.
Transport Liaison Group to be
Spring 2012
set up to assess the
performance of the ASAS and
ATP
ASAS to be reviewed 6 months
August 2014
Passenger numbers reached 1 mppa in February 2014. Now being reviewed
after reaching1, 1.5 and
2mppa
Around 1,500 people work at London Southend Airport, of whom about 300 work for the Airport and its associated companies. Another 250 are airline and other staff
associated with the air passenger activity. Most of the remainder are associated with the Airport's long standing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul businesses. A staff travel
survey in 2013 showed that 61% of staff used car alone, beating the target set in the ASAS. Facilities for cycle users, including cycle racks, showers and lockers have been
provided and the Airport has participated in cycle promotions. More work is to be done in the forthcoming year to encourage the greater use of cycling for staff travel.
One of the targets in the ASAS is to review it once air passengers reach 1 million per annum. This threshold was reached on a rolling 12 months basis at the end of February
2014 and the review has started, in collaboration with the local authorities, and will be completed within 6 months. The review will include a number of revised targets to reflect
the time passed and performance against the revised targets will be reported in next year's Annual Report.
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Airports are important economic generators, providing jobs, encouraging inward investment and
boosting local tourism.
Following the approval of the planning application for the runway extension, a recruitment campaign
commenced in October 2011 offering a significant amount of diverse opportunities for local people.
London Southend Airport is committed to ensuring that jobs available at the airport are publicised
locally and opportunities are advertised via the ‘Careers’ page of the London Southend Airport website.
In addition, roles which require specialist expertise may also be advertised in targeted publications, for
example those for air traffic controllers. The airport is pleased to have recently engaged with Ingeus in
the Essex region, which is a leading provider of the Government ‘Work Programme’ to tackle long term
unemployment. Effective relationships have also been established with local recruitment providers and
when required, the services of local agencies may also be used.
Internal progression and development for employees at the airport is encouraged and supported
through training and development opportunities and vacancies are advertised internally by email and
use of notice boards.
The redevelopment of the airport created 517 new jobs in 2012; as well as those directly employed by
London Southend Airport to support passenger growth, many jobs were created within the airline,
catering, retail, hotel, rail station and control authority companies.
The number of staff directly employed by London Southend Airport has increased by 42 in the past 12
months.
The airport recently announced a variety of new destinations for 2014 which will offer additional
job opportunities.
In 2013 Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Aer Arann) moved their Southend based aircraft to Dublin
which resulted in a drop in airline staff based at Southend.
Following the announcement of Stobart Air’s (formally known as Aer Arann) new 10 year partnership
with Flybe, Stobart Air is creating 60 new jobs at Southend Airport in 2014.
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In February 2014, the airport itself employed 264 people, of which 53 were
part time. 81.4% were from the SS postcode area, 9.9% were from the wider
Essex area and only 8% were from outside of Essex.
The pie chart below shows the locality of all staff directly employed by London Southend
Airport Co Ltd at the end of the reporting period February 2014.
Locality of
London Southend Airport Co Ltd employees
Other
9%
Essex
10%
Local
(SS postcode)
81%
Whilst the numbers of staff employed by LSA can fluctuate during the 12
month reporting period (generally increasing during the peak summer
period June – Sept) the table below shows the number of staff employed
at the end of the current reporting period, February 2014.
As at 28/02/14
Total jobs
264
Range of roles filled during Feb 13 - Mar 14
Full Time Staff
211
Part Time Staff
53
Ground Handling Agent
Fueller
Fire Station Manager
Fire Crew Manager
Development Manager
Asset Controller
Operations and Dispatch Agent
Passenger Services Agent
Firefighter
Airside Assurance Manager
Finance Controller
Finance Manager
Ticket Desk and Security Agent
Control Room Operator
IT
Health and Safety Coordinator
Finance Assistant
Facilities Technician
Cleaning Manager
Cleaning Team Leader
Cleaner
Air Traffic Controller
Air Traffic Assistant
Air Traffic Engineer
Retail Manager
Retail Assistant
Bar/Lounge Assistant
Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
231.61
The airport operates a resourcing model made up of a team of core staff across
the year which is supplemented with additional staff to support the seasonal
peak for summer. The seasonal team increases the overall workforce by
approximately 5%. The ethos of the company ensures that all employees fully
understand and support operational roles, thereby contributing to service
excellence in the passenger experience. This promotes multi skilling and
enhanced employability options for employees of the airport, also widening
potential opportunities for progression.
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London Southend Airport is a division of the Stobart Group which also includes ownership of
the Holiday Inn Southend hotel and Southend Airport Railway Station. Together all three
employ a total of 328 staff.
London Southend Airport supports employment for over 1,000 employees in
33 companies based within the airfield boundary.
A further 450 staff are employed in aviation based businesses located in Aviation Way.
Whilst businesses based in this area have historically been included in staff data to help
guide staff travel initiatives, Aviation Way travel connectivity will be addressed within the Joint
Area Action Plan and the airport will continue to report on staff located within the airport
boundary moving forward.
London Southend Airport offers many specialised roles, to ensure a high
percentage of our jobs are accessible to local people the airport actively looks
to offer development and entry level opportunities where possible. All new staff
are offered training which varies based on their role and experience. The
airport invests heavily in staff training and development with all operational staff
receiving between 2-10 weeks of initial training supported by an on-going
development programme.
Airport Employment 2013-2014
London Southend Airport benefits from a productive working relationship with
South Essex College and offers various opportunities for students to
experience and become involved with activities at the airport (including work
experience for Travel &Tourism students). In addition to working with the
college on bespoke requirements for training in 2012 a number of students,
attended the airport to support the testing of the equipment and overall
passenger experience prior to the opening of the new terminal building. A
number of graduated Travel and Tourism students are now employed by the
airport.
London Southend Airport is a supporting member of a Prospects College
initiative for a Group Training Association, Aviation Services and is actively
engaged in the employers’ forum of this group. It is currently identifying key
skills required for specific aviation related roles to inform future apprentice
requirements, schemes and opportunities. The airport has liaised with the
Learning Skills Council and looks forward to growing this relationship in the
future.
The successful Engineering Apprentice Programme run by Prospects College
within the ATC Lasham hanger supports ten new engineering apprentice posts
each year.
264
Airport Operations, Terminal & Handling
Terminal Concessions
19
Aircraft Support & Catering
25
Onward Travel
30
Hotel
52
130
Airlines
Rail Station
12
Control Authorities
52
419
Aircraft Maintenance
Private Charter
46
Flying Clubs
30
4
Travel Agents
16
Other (Non-Aviation Related)
1099
Total
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London Southend Airport has put a wide range of measures in place to control and minimise
ground noise.
Airport ground noise is defined as any noise, other than that which is generated by aircraft in
flight, taking off or landing. The main sources of airport ground noise are:



Aircraft taxiing
Aircraft mounted auxiliary power units (APU’s). These are used for air conditioning an
aircraft cabin whilst it is on stand, supplying electrical power and other aircraft services
when the main engines are not operating. It is also used for starting the main engines
Testing (ground running) of aircraft engines
One of our main operators - Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Aer Arann - is trialling a new
technique of single engine taxiing at London Southend Airport. In order to reduce ground noise
and NO2 emissions, their ATR42 and ATR72 aircraft now taxi from the runway using just one
engine.
Our other main operator – easyJet - already incorporates this procedure across its network of
airports where the distance from aircraft stand to runway is a considerable distance. They are
currently investigating the possibility of adopting this procedure at London Southend in the
future.
To ensure that the use of diesel fuelled Ground Power Unit’s (GPU’s) and aircraft Auxiliary
Power Units (APU’s) are kept to a minimum, all our new aircraft stands are fitted with Fixed
Electrical Ground Power (FEGP). In 2012, five FEGP stands were provided for our four based
aircraft. In 2013. The number of FEGP stands was increased to 7. As a result, during the 12
month period starting from 8 March 2013, there has not been any occasion when FEGP has not
been available to based passenger aircraft.
There have been large aircraft maintenance bases at London Southend Airport for many years.
We ensure that all engine testing is carried out in accordance with our Engine Testing Best
Practice Plan which stipulates the location of the testing site and the permitted testing times.
For the 12 month period starting from 8 March 2012 there have been no incidents where the
conditions of our Engine Testing Best Practice Plan have not been fully met.
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Airports bring a wide range of economic and environmental effects to an area, both positive and
negative. They are important economic generators, providing jobs, encouraging inward
investment and boosting local tourism.
The number of flights and type of aircraft using London Southend Airport throughout its long
history has varied greatly.
In the 1960’s and 1970’s London Southend Airport was the third busiest airport in the UK,
offering scheduled passenger flights to Europe using Carvair aircraft which passengers could
drive their cars onto. In the 1980’s the airport was handling over 100,000 aircraft movements
each year. Whilst passenger services declined in the 1990’s the airport did remain a major hub
for maintenance companies, with large aircraft - such as the B727 and BAC1-11 – being
regularly maintained at London Southend. It also continued to handle freight, training and
private flights.
In 2009 planning approval was sought to extend the runway by 300m to make it 1856m long.
This was in order to increase the range of destinations offered beyond the scheduled
passenger services to Ireland and the Channel Islands.
Following a period of public consultation, Southend Borough Council and Rochford District
Council agreed to the extension and introduced conditions for a number of new controls and
incentives to help minimise any negative impact on the surrounding communities that the
airport development might bring. These included:


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



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Tighter controls on night time operations – no scheduled passenger flights at night
Increasing the classified night time period and limiting the number of night time
movements to an average of 120 per month
Introducing a Preferred Runway Scheme
Introducing a Noise Preferential Route for departures
Imposing a cap on the total number of aircraft movements to 53,300 per annum
Imposing further caps on freight flights and B737 operations
Minimising ground noise
Encouraging quieter aircraft
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As part of the planning conditions, the night period was extended
from midnight – 06:00 to 23:00 – 06:30. During this night period
only aircraft classified with a Quota Count of 1 (QC) or less are
permitted to take-off or land. Aircraft are assigned quota count
(QC) classifications as shown in the table below.
Certified
noise level
(EPNdB)
Quota
Count
96 – 98.9
QC/4
93 – 95.9
QC/2
90 – 92.9
QC/1
87 – 89.9
QC/0.5
84 – 86.9
QC/0.25
Aircraft are classified separately for take-off and landing.
Schedules showing the QC classification of individual aircraft are
published twice a year by the CAA.
During the night period – and when weather and safety conditions allow –
London Southend Airport is committed to operating all aircraft movements
from and to the north east (over Rochford) as this is a much less densely
populated area than that to the south west of the airport.
During the daytime - when the airport is busier and the runway direction
cannot be changed - the airport agreed to ensure that more than 50% of
aircraft operations occur to and from the north east of the airfield over
Rochford.
For safety reasons and to maximise performance capabilities, aircraft take off
and land into wind. The prevailing wind in the south east of the UK means
that arrivals will typically come from the north east and depart to the south
west around 70% of the time.
To minimise the number of local residents being overflown by departing
aircraft, a Noise Preferential Route was introduced. This means that all
aircraft weighing over 5700kg must follow a straight departure heading for 2.5
miles when departing towards the south west (over Leigh-on-Sea) and 1 mile
when departing towards the north east (over Rochford). This ensures that
within the surrounding areas, departing passenger aircraft will only overfly
those residents already living under the arrival path to the airport.
The planning conditions also reduced the permitted night time
movements from 940 to 120 per month. This became effective
when the extended runway was opened in March 2012.
The airport may not permit scheduled passenger flights during the
night period. Up to 3 arrivals per night are allowed to be scheduled
between 23:00-23:30 hours, scheduled arrivals within this time
period would be counted towards the monthly night time quota.
Private helicopters* are also banned from operating during the
night period.
*Exempt ATMs by helicopters are permitted; please refer to pg. 35 for the definition of
exempt ATMs.
-
Most airports have noise and track keeping systems which take radar data from air traffic control and combine it with flight information such as a call sign, tail number,
type and destination. London Southend Airport is no exception.
London Southend Airport operates a Noise and Track Keeping System that captures data from two fixed noise monitors which are located approximately 1 mile from each
end of the single runway - as shown on the map below.
£114,000 has been invested in noise and track monitoring equipment with an on-going annual maintenance cost of £18,000.
In addition to the two fixed noise monitors, London Southend Airport also has a mobile noise monitor which is used at a number of other locations in the local area. The
data captured by all these systems is used to investigate noise and route keeping complaints and also to validate noise contour data.
-
London Southend Airport has a comprehensive noise complaints handling service which
responds to comments and complaints about aircraft noise and routing.
Following feedback from the local community, improvements were made to this service in 2012. A
new digital submission form was introduced on our website to make feeding back to us easier and
also to ensure that all of the data required in order to investigate a specific incident is captured (the
form can be seen here www.southendairport.com/contact-us/enquiries/noise-comment ). This new
system also enables us to keep an accurate record of all the complaints submitted to us. However,
for those without access to a computer, noise complaints can also be made in writing.
London Southend Airport aims to investigate and respond to complaints within 7 working days.
If a complainant is dissatisfied with the airport’s response in relation to a noise matter, the relating
correspondence may be referred to the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC) for further
consideration.
All noise complaints are regularly reviewed by the ACC.
A full summary of noise complaints contained within this annual report has been reviewed and
approved by the ACC.
-
Using our Noise and Track Keeping System we are able to log and record all complaints individually and then fully investigate specific flights. The system records aircraft
data as well as a summary of the response provided.
The screengrab below shows how a noise complaint is recorded and then investigated using the airports Noisedesk system. By entering data provided by the complainant
via the online submission form, Noisedesk then automatically detects the closest flights to the person’s location at the time of the disturbance.
-
Through the Airport Consultative Committee, which meets each
quarter, London Southend Airport maintains a close working
relationship with representatives of its local authorities and resident
groups.
Membership of the Consultative Committee includes representatives
from all of the following authorities and organisations:

Essex County Council

Castle Point Borough Council

Maldon District Council

Rochford District Council

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council

Rochford Hundred Association of Local Councils

Leigh Town Council

Thames Gateway South Essex

Southend Flying Clubs

West Leigh Residents Association

Residents of Eastwood and St Laurence

Southend Trades Council

South Essex Chamber of Commerce
Issues discussed include employment opportunities, training, new investment
and environmental management together with recommendations for the airport
company to consider and progress.
Minutes of the quarterly ACC meeting are available on our website;
www.southendairport.com/community-relations/
Data relating to noise and track keeping complaints is regularly reviewed by the
committee.
Within the Section106 planning agreement London Southend Airport is required
to present the Annual Report to the ACC for review and approval ahead of
general publication.
A draft report was presented to the ACC in May 2014 and following the
feedback from the committee was approved in June 2014.
The Annual Report is published on the London Southend Airport website;
www.southendairport.com/community-relations/
-
London Southend Airport regrets that some residents have felt the need to
complain about aircraft noise. In the reporting period March 2013 - February 2014
a total of 687 noise complaints were received and investigated. Not one of the
aircraft investigated was found to have operated outside of the airport agreed
control framework.
Whilst the number of noise complaints did increase to 3,050 following the opening
of the runway extension in March 2012 this number has significantly reduced by
77%.
The graph below shows the volume of complainants and complaints received and
investigated by the airport from March 2011 to February 2014.
In August 2012 – after reviewing correspondence from a number
of individuals - the ACC approved changes to the Noise
Complaints Handling Service.
It laid out the way in which the Airport should handle and respond
to those complainants who continuously submitted complaints
over an extended period of time whereby following investigations
of their complaints it was found that all of the aircraft concerned
had operated legitimately and within the airports operating
controls.
The Chairman of the ACC reviewed all of the correspondence for 9
complainants (3 from the same address) within the 12 month period
March 13 – February 2014 and recommended that London Southend
Airport suspend correspondence with them for a period of 6 months.
At the end of the six month suspension period complainants are
invited to meet with the Operations Director and the Noise Manager to
discuss their individual concerns regarding noise. A number of
complainants have taken up this offer and the airport has agreed to
continue to log future complaints but not to engage in extended
correspondence over legitimate aircraft operations.
Over the past 2 years the total number of complainants that have
been suspended in this manner is 16, of which 6 have agreed to
attend meetings with the airport to discuss their individual concerns
about noise.
The airport does not log complaints or correspond with complainants
that ignore or decline the invitation to attend a meeting after the
suspension period has ended.
-
In accordance with the conditions set out in the S106 Planning Agreement, London Southend Airport commissioned an independent firm of aviation noise specialists to
produce noise contours for the summer 2012 period.
These contours have been used to identify any properties which are in residential, educational or hospital use that qualify for either;

Property Acquisition - for properties that fall within the 69dB LAeq 16 hr noise contour*

Sound and Thermal Insulation Grant Scheme – for properties that fall within the 63dB LAeq 16 hr noise contour*
*LAeq 16 hour is the standard way of measuring aircraft noise around airports and is the measurement the airport is required to use under the S106 legal agreement. It is
the 'equivalent continuous sound level', i.e. the average sound level calculated over a defined measurement period. In the UK, LAeq noise contours are produced for the
average summer day, where 'summer' is defined as the 92-day period from 16 June to 15 September and 'day' is defined as the 16-hour period 0700-2300 (GMT).
In accordance with the agreement, London Southend Airport commissioned Bikerdike Allen Partners (BDA) to produce the summer 2012 noise contours. BDA is widely
recognised within the aviation industry and has undertaken strategic noise mapping and noise action plans under the European Noise Directive for numerous airports in
the UK and Europe including Manchester, Stansted and London City. BDA is a founder member of the Association of Noise Consultants and bound by their Code of
Ethics. BDA is also a member of the British Standards Institute.
Based on Ordinance Survey mapping, the results of the 2012 noise assessment carried out by BDA are shown in the table below.
Properties within 69dB LAeq 16 hr that qualify for Property Acquisition
Street
N/A
No. of
properties
0
There are no properties within the 69 dB LAeq 16 hr noise contour.
17 dwellings are shown within the 63 dB LAeq 16 hr noise contour.
No’s
N/A
Properties within 63dB LAeq 16 hr that qualify for Sound and Thermal
Insulation
Street
No. of
Properties
No’s
Eastwoodbury
Lane
5
Eastwoodbury Cottages Nos. 1-4,
19 Smallholdings
Southend Road
12
12 Nos. 66-88 (even)
Of these 17 properties, five were purchased by the airport and
demolished as part of the runway reconfiguration works.
During the reporting period March 2013 to February 2014 the
airport wrote to the 12 properties within Southend Road that
qualified for the Sound and Noise Insulation Grant Scheme. Of
the 12 property owners that were contacted 2 have expressed
an interest in the scheme and the airport has carried out a
survey of their properties and provided them with quotes for
primary and secondary glazing options.
-
The map (Figure-3) shows the daytime airborne aircraft noise contours for summer 2012 on which the properties have been identified.
-
The map (figure-D) compares the 2008 and 2012 63dB LAeq 16 hr noise contours. It shows that there has been very little change to the contour at the north east end of the
runway, whilst the contour at the south west end of the runway has extended slightly following the extension in March 2012.
-
Government guidance is that 69 dB LAeq 16 hr represents high levels of community annoyance, whereas 63 dB LAeq 16 hr represents moderate levels of community annoyance.
57dB LAeq 16 hr is considered to be the level at which there is an onset of community annoyance.
The map (Figure-C) shows the 57dB LAeq 16 hr contours for both 2008 (before the runway extension) and 2012 (following the runway extension).
The number of properties within the 57dB LAeq 16 hr has not significantly changed following the runway extension.
-
-
London Southend Airport recognises that air quality is important to everyone and that poor air
quality can impact upon health. The air quality in the area surrounding London Southend Airport
is generally very good and consistently remains below the 40 μg/m3 value limit of NO2 at which
the Government would require further assessment and the implementation of an Air Quality
Action Plan (AQAP) to reduce air pollution concentrations so that the objectives are met.
London Southend Airport is committed to monitoring air quality around the airport site and
ensuring that it remains below all of the guideline values within the Government’s Air Quality
Strategy.
Our S106 planning agreement commits us to:

Develop a Surface Access Strategy that promotes a move away from the private
car to less environmentally damaging forms of travel

Adopt operational practices that seek to minimise the polluting emissions from
airport operations

Undertake regular air quality monitoring and share the results with both Rochford
District Council and Southend Borough Council.
In order to safeguard health, the Government’s Air Quality Strategy establishes a limit for
nitrogen dioxide. Legislation is set at National and European levels to limit emissions of NO 2
Legislation
Annual Limit
EU First Daughter Directive (99/30/EC)
40 μg m-3
Air Quality Strategy (2000)
40 μg m-3
The objective is not to exceed an annual mean average of 40μg/m3 for NO2 levels.
The airport tests for NO2 at a number of permanent locations.
-
These locations were selected due to their proximity to the residential properties which are closest to the airport. As the primary source of nitrogen dioxide is road transport, the
testing sites were located where the greatest impacts from the runway extension were expected - mainly as a result of any changes to traffic on the roads, but also taking into
account emissions from the operation of the airport.
The location of each testing site is shown on the map below.
Air quality testing is carried out at each of these locations on a monthly basis. As agreed, we share these results with both Southend Borough Council and Rochford District
Council.
Anne Boleyn Drive
Eastwoodbury
Crescent
Rochford Road
Eastwoodbury Lane
-
Figure 1.
Concentration levels of NO2 measured around
London Southend Airport have consistently
remained below Government limits.
Results of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Testing
Site
The recorded annual mean values for each
testing site have been adjusted by the
relevant bias adjustment factor following
DEFRA guidance.
The pollutants of greatest concern in the local
area are oxides of nitrogen. The majority of
pollutants in the local area come from road
traffic.
2011
2013
2012
Anne Bolyn Drive
29.9 μg/m3
26.3 μg/m3
24.8 μg/m3
Rochford Road
34.2 μg/m3
32.4 μg/m3
32.7 μg/m3
Eastwoodbury Lane
Eastwoodbury Crescent
31.6 μg/m3
33.6 μg/m3
28.3 μg/m3
30.9 μg/m3
28.0 μg/m3
29.4 μg/m3
Figure 2.
The annual results for NO2 monitoring at all
four testing sites around the airport are
reported in the table (fig. 1).
These results are also plotted on the graph
(fig. 2), which also demonstrates that NO2
levels at all four sites have reduced in 2013
compared to 2011.
-
-
-
Energy consumption is essential to the operation of an airport. London Southend Airport is
committed to improving energy management practices and reducing associated greenhouse
gases from the airport’s own operations and to minimise the airport’s overall impact on the
environment.
Carbon reduction has been considered throughout the design and implementation of a number of
the development projects across the airfield, including the new control tower, rail station and
terminal building. CO2 reductions were considered alongside financial aspects when making
capital investment decisions.
London Southend Airport invested in a new rail station on the Southend Victoria to London
Liverpool Street line to provide an excellent sustainable transport option for passengers. The new
rail station is just 100 paces from the passenger terminal.
Before construction of the runway extension could start, London Southend Airport agreed a
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) in accordance with the S106 planning
agreement. This ensured that the impact on the environment and surrounding communities was
minimised.
London Southend Airport agreed that during the construction period, wherever possible, materials
would be recycled. The aim would be for a balance of cut and landfill so that no landfill materials
would need to be brought onto or taken off the site. Soil removed during the construction of the
new road was re-used for the 300m runway extension.
BREEAM is an environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings. BREEAM
sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation and
has become one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's
environmental performance. It encourages clients to think about low carbon and low impact
design, minimising the energy demands created by a building before considering energy
efficiency and low carbon technologies.
The BREEAM pre-assessment of the new passenger terminal stated that London Southend
Airport had the potential to achieve a ‘very good’ assessment result which is encouraging as an
airport development is particularly challenging.
-
The main source of energy at London Southend Airport is electricity. All incoming electricity is
metered monthly through remote access meters and we use this information to monitor overall
consumption as well as for financial tracking and forecasting.
One of the main ways London Southend Airport controls energy consumption is through our
Building Management System (BMS).
This allows us to carefully monitor and control energy consumption in all areas of the new
terminal building and provides data on electricity kw/h and CO2 consumption as well as rain water
harvesting.
The new passenger terminal at London Southend Airport is very energy efficient when measured
on an energy per passenger basis. The table below shows the kW/h per passenger energy use
for the 2 years since the new building has been operational.
To compare this rating with other UK Airports we would need to include the energy for the total
airport. However, there are a large number of businesses based in Aviation Way which is located
around the outside of the airport site. These draw their electricity from the airport’s own ring main,
meaning that the total airport consumption would include these non-airport based businesses.
Total kW/h (Passenger Terminal)
Total passengers
kW/h per passenger
2012-13
2013-14
1,523,116
1,438,398
724,986
1,001,580
2.10
1.44
-
A number of energy saving products and principles were incorporated into the new passenger
terminal including:

At least 10% of energy from on-site renewable sources

Solar photovoltaic panels to provide circa 9% of energy needs

Air source heat pumps provide around 3% of energy needs

Extensive use of LED lighting

Dimmable concourse lighting to react to daylight

PIR sensors in office lighting

Highly insulated building envelope

Tinted glass and solar shading to reduce solar gain and limit cooling requirement

Energy saving mode on escalators

Rainwater harvesting and waterless urinals
London Southend Airport recently completed Britain’s largest airport solar installation to date as part
of the £10m terminal expansion.
496 solar panels will supply the terminal's expanded range of shops, cafes and restaurants
with clean solar electricity for decades to come, using the airport's private electricity network.
The panels are expected to help the terminal achieve a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ environmental
assessment rating, and to avoid around 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions over the next
twenty years.
-
The number of people using London Southend Airport has grown significantly over the past 24 months. As numbers increase so can the amount of waste collected. London
Southend Airport is fully committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites. Recycling points are available in all public areas of the airport.
To promote recycling within internal departments all waste bins have been removed from desk areas and replaced with recycling/general waste points.
London Southend Airport monitors the amount of waste that is recycled. During the busier
summer months the amount of waste produced at the airport increases, peaking in July at
24,240 kg. In January 2014 the percentage of waste sent for recycling peaked at 39.41%. The
overall annual percentage for recycled waste was 35%, a 2% increase on the previous year.
Annual Waste Comparison
Recycling is regularly promoted within internal departments through emails and staff notices.
London Southend Airport aims to monitor recycling progress and set targets to increase the
amount of recyclable waste collected from the airport site. Wherever possible, equipment and
materials are re-used and shared between departments or donated to local charities.
The Annual Waste Comparison chart shows that there has been a reduction in the amount of
waste collected from the airport compared to the last reporting period.
Further carbon reduction incentives are considered within the Airport Surface Access Strategy
(ASAS) and the Quiet Ground Operations Scheme.
Waste Management Mar 13 - Feb 14
200000
Weight (kg)
London Southend Airport works very closely with its based operators and supports airline
initiatives to reduce weight carried on board aircraft. easyJet has recently reviewed its aircraft
cleaning procedures to minimise the amount of water and traveller magazines carried on board
its aircraft.
250000
150000
2012-13
100000
2013-14
50000
0
Total Waste
General
Waste
Recycled
Waste
Waste Management
Mar 13 - Feb 14
30,000
20,000
15,000
Total Waste (kg)
10,000
Recycled Waste (kg)
5,000
Recycled
Waste
35% General
Waste
65%
Feb-14
Jan-14
Dec-13
Nov-13
Oct-13
Sep-13
Aug-13
Jul-13
Jun-13
May-13
Apr-13
0
Mar-13
Weight (kg)
25,000
-
London Southend Airport has set out its Sustainable Procurement Policy in
accordance with S106 planning conditions. The policy applies to Airport
development projects as well as the procurement of goods and services by
London Southend Airport Company.
Key events in the progress of the airport development were communicated to
local residents using hand delivered letters, public meeting and airport tours.
These have provided information regarding each stage of the new development
works. Information and press releases are regularly made available on the
London Southend Airport website www.southendairport.com
Buckingham Group was awarded the contract for the construction of the
new terminal building. Key elements for sustainable procurement were
considered during the tender process.
Buckingham Group delivered against the following targets:


At least 50% of orders by value to be placed with local companies
Subcontractors encouraged to recruit local labour
During the construction of the new terminal building in 2011, Buckingham
Group employed 85% of sub-contractors locally.
London Southend Airport applies sustainable principles to the procurement of
goods and services, paying particular attention to the procurement of the
following:






Energy supplies
Aviation fuel
Office consumables (including recycling)
Catering supplies
Electrical equipment
Transportation (vehicles and travel)
In September 2011 London Southend Airport completed a new link road
between Eastwoodbury Crescent and Nestuda Way which allowed for the
stopping up of Eastwoodbury Lane to make way for the runway extension.
The new route was carefully chosen and designed in order to minimise
impact on St Laurence Park. A new children’s play area was constructed,
including £800k of state-of-the-art play equipment, and a new wildflower
meadow was created. The park is now over a hectare larger than before.
Over the past 24 months the new planting has become established, the
wildlife has flourished and many local children now enjoy a safer
environment with a better equipped play area.
The area to the north of the terminal extension will be seeded with a
wildflower meadow mix to increase the ecological value of the site and
encourage insects such as bees.
-
-
During the planning consultation for the runway extension at London Southend Airport, a number of
new controls were agreed in order to reduce the impact of the development on the local community.
An annual cap on the total number of aircraft movements was introduced at 53,300 . This is about
half of the total of aircraft movements recorded at London Southend Airport in 1989.
In addition the number of permitted night time movements was reduced from 940 per month to 120.
Further caps were imposed on the number of cargo flights and B737 movements at Southend.
In accordance with our S106 planning agreement, we regularly report on our performance against a
number of agreed controls to the Airport Consultative Committee. These reports are also shared with
our local councils.
Once the first Annual Report has been published, quarterly reports will also be made publically
available on our website (www.southendairport.com).
For the 12 month period March 2013 - February 2014, London Southend Airport has operated within
all of the agreed limitations on aircraft movements.
The table below shows the Airport’s performance and compliance against the total Aircraft Traffic
Movement (ATM) controls for March 2013 - February 2014.
Ref.
Aircraft Traffic Movement Type
Quota Annual
Limit
Annual Total
Mar 13 - Feb 14
% of agreed
Annual Limit
i
Total ATMs
(excluding exempt ATMs)
53,300
28,905
54%
ii
Cargo ATMs
(permitted lesser of 10% of Total
ATMs or 5,300 p.a.)
2,890
94
3.25%
iii
Boeing 737–300 ATMs
2,150
19
0.9%
-
The table below shows the Airports performance and compliance against the total night time Aircraft Traffic Movement (ATM) controls for March 2013 - February 2014.
Flights in Night Quota Period
(23:00 – 06:30)
Quota Annual
Limit
Annual Total
Mar 13 - Feb 14
iv
Total night time ATMs
v
Diverted ATMs
(of which all were QC1 or less)
2
vi
Delayed ATMs
(of which all were QC1 or less)
50
vii
Exempt ATMs
(of which all were QC1 or less)
144
Night time ATMs to be included in Quota Total
(120 per quota month)
% of agreed
Annual Limit
499
1,440
303
21%
The definitions of diverted, delayed and exempt ATM’s were agreed within the S106 planning agreement and are as follows:
Diverted ATM’s – Unforeseen diversions of ATM’ s from airports to London Southend Airport due to weather conditions, industrial action or temporary runway closure/repairs.
Delayed ATM’s – An ATM where the aircraft was scheduled to take off or land prior to the agreed night time period, but was delayed due to unforeseen weather conditions,
industrial action, temporary runway closure/repairs at the airport or air traffic control delays or clearances beyond the control of the aircraft operator and/or the owner or the
operator (as the case may be).
Exempt ATMs – ATM’s by the police and/or HM Customs and/or the Coastguard and/or the military and/or the Air Ambulance Service and/or ATMs collecting or delivering
human blood and/or organ transplants and/or ATMs carrying or meeting officials on Government business and/or any ATM which is made an emergency consisting of an
immediate danger to the life or health of humans or animals.
Of the 2 diverted ATM’s, all were diverted to London Southend Airport due to poor weather conditions at their destination airports.
Of the 50 delayed ATM’s, all fall within the criteria that allows passenger aircraft to return to London Southend Airport during the night time period due to unforeseen weather
conditions, industrial action and/or unforeseen air traffic control delays.
Of the 144 exempt ATM’s, all aircraft operated on behalf of the police, military, and/or coastguard, or operated an air ambulance flight.
-
London Southend Airport has just one main runway which is aligned 060o/240o.
For reasons of safety and to maximise aircraft performance capabilities, aircraft
usually take-off and land into wind. In the south east of the UK the prevailing
winds are south westerly, meaning that about 70% of the time aircraft take off to
the south west and arrive from the north east.
During the daytime, in total fewer than 50% of all landings and less than
50% of all ATM’s may be over the south west area (e.g. Leigh-on-Sea)
when assessed cumulatively throughout each entire Quota Year. During
the 12 month period from March 2013 to February 2014. All ATM’s
remained within the required percentages for the Daytime period.
In order to minimise the number of properties overflown in the more densely
populated area to the south west of the airport, (e.g. the Leigh-on-Sea area) a
Preferred Runway Procedure has been introduced.
Daytime ATMs
The S106 planning agreement identifies a number of reasons whereby the
Preferred Runway Procedure may not be implemented:
Total daytime arrivals
14,276
Arrivals from South West
(over Leigh-on-Sea area)
4,500
Total daytime arrivals & departures
28,794
Arrivals & departures to/from South
West (over Leigh-on-Sea area)
12,531






Safety
Any reasonable requirements of the air traffic control of the airport to ensure
the safe operation of the airport and aircraft using it
Standard separation requirements of National Air Traffic Services
Weather conditions prevailing at the time of the relevant ATM making it
unsafe for an aircraft to take off to the north east of the airport or land from
the north east of the airport
Performance capabilities of the aircraft to take off from or land at the airport
in the prevailing conditions at the time of the relevant ATM and/or
Limitations of the approach aid facilities at the airport
We regularly monitor the use of the Preferred Runway Procedures. Our Air Traffic
Control (ATC) team record specific information relating to each ATM and where
the Preferred Runway has not been used. ATC record the reason why.
Pilots are advised of our requirement to follow Preferred Runway Procedures at
London Southend as part of the Noise Abatement controls provided to pilots within
the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication). An internal audit was
conducted of the Preferred Runway usage throughout November and December
2012 and it was found that in every instance where the prevailing weather
conditions had been recorded as a reason for not following the Preferred Runway
Procedures, the tailwind recorded was greater than 5 knots.
We pride ourselves on having good working relationships with our based airline
operators and will continue to work closely with them to maintain and, wherever
possible, improve the use of the Preferred Runway Scheme.
Annual Total
Mar 13 - Feb 14
% of ATMs to/
from South West
(Leigh on Sea)
32%
43%
During the night time Quota Period, all ATM’s will be to and from the north
east of the airfield (e.g. Rochford).
ATMs operating during the Night
Quota Period (23:00 – 06:30)
Annual Total
Mar 13 - Feb 14
Total ATMs
499
Number of aircraft which did not take
off towards, or land from, the
North East
159
% of ATMs to/
from South West
(Leigh on Sea)
32%
We are required to record the reasons why an ATM does not use the
Preferred Runway Procedure during the night quota period and include this
information in the Annual Report.
Of the 159 ATM’s that did not follow the Preferred Runway Procedure, all
of the aircraft concerned operated to and from the south west due to the
weather conditions at the time making it unsafe for an aircraft to take off to
the north east of the airport or land from the north east of the airport.
-
-
All aircraft departing from London Southend Airport (which have a maximum take-off weight in
excess of 5700kg) follow initial flight paths known as Noise Preferential Routes (NPRs).
The NPR’s at London Southend Airport were agreed with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and
Rochford District Council during the consultation process for the runway extension. The routes have
been designed so that the number of large aircraft overflying residential areas is reduced to a
minimum and that departing aircraft are using the same flight path as arriving aircraft for the initial
phase of their departure. These routes were introduced when the extended runway was opened in
March 2012.
There can be some variation between the various aircraft operating on the NPR. This is because all
aircraft perform differently and they may also be affected by weather conditions, which can cause
them to drift to the left or right. This is why each NPR extends in width as it proceeds from the end of
the runway. As long as an aircraft flies within the agreed NPR zone it is considered to be on-track.
Since introducing the Noise Preferential Routes in March 2012, 99.8% of all passenger flights within
the 2 year period have departed London Southend Airport within their agreed NPR.
There were more than 14,500 departures from London Southend Airport for the 12 month period
March 2013 - February 2014, of which almost 8,400 related to aircraft (above 5700kg) that were
required to depart within the agreed NPR. During this period only 38 aircraft turned on departure
before exiting the NPR zone -11 were instructed to do so by London Southend ATC for safety
reasons due to traffic and weather.
Just 26 (0.3%) aircraft were identified as having breached the NPR due to non-compliance i.e. pilot
turned early without instruction by ATC.
The majority of our NPR infringements were issued to non-based operators who had not reviewed
the recent changes to departure procedures as published within the UK AIP (Aeronautical
Information Procedures). All of the airlines and operators were immediately contacted as a result of
these NPR infringements and have responded quickly and efficiently. All have taken robust action to
ensure that all of their pilots are familiar with our current operating procedures to prevent further
infringements occurring.
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London Southend Airport has two noise preferential routes, one at each end of the runway. Aircraft (which have a maximum take-off weight in excess of 5700kg) must follow
the NPR controls applicable to the runway in use at that time.
When departing on Runway 06 towards the north east (e.g. Rochford area), aircraft must maintain a straight departure heading until at least 1500ft altitude and 1 mile in
distance.
When departing on Runway 24 towards the south west (e.g. Leigh-on-Sea area), aircraft must maintain a straight departure heading until at least 1500ft altitude and 2.5 miles
in distance.
Once aircraft have cleared the designated NPR zone, Air Traffic Control (ATC) can instruct the pilots to fly a more direct heading towards their destination,- this is known as
‘vectoring’. However, ATC may direct aircraft off the NPR at any time if this is required for safe separation from other aircraft or for other safety issues (such as avoiding
adverse weather). Track keeping is taken very seriously and it is closely monitored and logged by our dedicated system.
The map below shows the two NPR zones at London Southend Airport with their agreed coordinates.
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- A summary of each NPR infringement issued March 2013 - February 2014 is shown on the table below
Infringement
notice issued
Cumulative
total y/e
2014
Satisfactory
action taken
Reviewed
by ACC
Fines
Issued
Off track
complaints
received
Date
Operator
Aircraft Reg
Aircraft
Runway
Flight type
1
14/03/2013
Vueling
ECHQL
A320
24
Maintenance

1st


n/a
0
2
15/03/2013
Jota Aviation
LYLTE
BE20
24
Small Commercial

1st


n/a
0
3
28/04/2013
Gama Aviation
VPBBW
B737
24
Maintenance

1st


n/a
0
4
28/04/2013
Challenge-Air
DAKUE
CL60
24
Business Flight

1st


n/a
0
5
08/05/2013
HOP E-Jets
FHBXN
E170
24
Maintenance

1st


n/a
0
6
25/07/2013
easyJet
GEZFA
A319
24
Scheduled Passenger

1st


n/a
0
7
03/08/2013
Volotea
EIFBK
B717-200
24
Scheduled Passenger

1st


n/a
0
8
17/08/2013
Aer Arann
EICPT
ATR43
24
Scheduled Passenger

1st


n/a
0
9
19/08/2013
Aeronova
ECHCH
SW4
24
Return to base following freight flight

1st


n/a
0
10
02/09/2013
London Exec Aviation
GSIRS
C56X
24
Business Flight

1st


n/a
0
11
08/09/2013
City Flyer
GLCYO
E190
24
Positioning flight following diversion

1st


n/a
2
12
14/10/2013
Binair
DCAVA
SW4
24
Positioning flight following freight flight

1st


n/a
0
13
17/10/2013
London Exec Aviation
GLEGC
C56X
24
Business Flight

2nd


n/a
0
14
22/10/2013
Night Express
DCRAS
SH60
24
Positioning Flight Following Freight

1st


n/a
0
15
25/10/2013
Aer Arann
EICBK
ATR43
24
Scheduled Passenger

2nd


n/a
0
16
28/10/2013
MHS Aviation GmbH
DCIRD
D328
24
Scheduled Passenger Following
Diversion

1st


n/a
0
17
05/11/2013
Aeronova
ECGUS
SW4
24
Positioning following freight flight

2nd


n/a
0
18
18/11/2013
Execujet
OYFWO
F700
24
Business Flight

1st


n/a
0
19
06/12/2013
247 Jet
GJBLZ
C550
24
Business Flight

1st


n/a
0
20
22/12/2013
Air Astana
P4KCJ
E190
24
Delivery Flight

1st


n/a
0
21
23/12/2013
Air Hamburg
DCJET
C25B
24
Business Flight

1st


n/a
0
22
24/12/2014
easyJet
GEZBN
A319
24
Scheduled Passenger

2nd


n/a
0
23
10/01/2014
Netherlands Coast
Guard
PHCGN
D228
24
Government Flight

1st


n/a
0
24
21/02/2014
easyJet
GEZAV
A319
24
Scheduled Passenger

3rd


£500
0
25
21/02/2014
easyJet
GEZBF
A319
24
Scheduled Passenger

4th


£1000
0
26
23/02/2014
Atlantic Airways
OYRCC
RJ1H
24
Maintenance

1st


n/a
0
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London Southend Airport has introduced a scheme to fine airlines which continue to operate off track despite previous warnings.
As NPR’s were introduced to London Southend for the first time in 2012 we have worked with both Airlines and Operators to ensure that they are familiar with the new noise
abatement controls.
Most of the NPR infringements were issued to non-based operators who may only visit London Southend Airport once or twice a year for routine maintenance, private flights,
medical flights or diversions.
All correspondence relating to the NPR infringements issued is routinely reviewed by the Chairman of the Airport Consultative Committee (ACC). A full summary of each breach
is also shared with all ACC members. Should the ACC or London Southend Airport consider the action taken by offending operators to be inadequate, or that an operator has
continued to breach the NPR controls despite appropriate measures being taken, fines will be levied as per the rates detailed in the table below.
Funds generated from these fines will go into a Community Fund.
The ACC decide on how this fund is diverted to local good causes.
Scale of Fines
03/12 – 03/13
1st Fine
2-5 Fines
5+ Fines
Aircraft QC1 or less
£500
£1,000
£2,000
Aircraft QC1 – QC2
£1,000
£2,000
£4,000
Aircraft QC2+
£2,000
£4,000
£8,000
Aircraft with a higher Quota Count (QC) are liable to heavier fining as they are noisier. They
are assigned quota count (QC) classifications as follows:
Certified noise level (EPNdB)
Quota Count
96 – 98.9
QC/4
93 – 95.9
QC/2
90 – 92.9
QC/1
87 – 89.9
QC/0.5
84 – 86.9
QC/0.25
Aircraft are classified separately for take-off
and landing. Schedules showing the QC
classification of individual aircraft are
published twice a year by the CAA.
For the 12-month period March 2013 - February 2014 a total of 2
fines were issued for NPR infringements.
Both fines were issued to easyJet.
All NPR infringements incurred by easyJet were the result of
away based crews and easyJet have put measures in place to
ensure that any visiting pilots have access to Noise Abatement
information.
easyJet operated 3,834 scheduled passenger departures in the
reporting period March 2013—February 2014 and of these only 4
(0.1%) were issued with NPR infringements.
London Southend Airport works very closely with its based operators to resolve any issues which may arise following investigations into the causes of NPR infringements.
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In addition to nationwide Stobart Group charity activities, staff at London Southend Airport have continued raising and donating money to a number of local charities and good
causes through the London Southend Airport Staff Fundraising Team (LSASFT), which is led by Eileen O’Conner and Amy Such.
The LSAFT continue to work with local charities such as “Runway” the guide dog, Southend Hospital’s Elizabeth Loury Cancer ward, HARP (Homeless Action Resource
Project), Samaritans, St Marks’s Church and Turning Tides Team (TTT).
Between March 2013 and February 2014 LSAFT have also helped to organise and support the following:
More than 70 London Southend Airport staff undertook a mammoth 345 (air) miles bicycle ride from the Essex airport to
the Scottish capital to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
However the team didn’t have to worry about the wet weather as they pedalled towards one of the airport’s most popular
destinations, as they were making the journey without actually leaving the terminal building.
The Southend Airport Staff Charity Committee – which organised the event - reconditioned three bicycles from a local
charity shop and mounted them on stands near the Check In Desks in the terminal.
In September 2013 the LSAFT hosted their annual cricket event in the grounds of Rankins Cricket Club to raise funds for
Fair Havens and Essex Air Ambulance. The day consisted of cricket matches and a large dog show which saw a very high
level of attendance with awards for the best dogs in each category!
London Southend Airports Staff took to the static bikes for a second time in December 2013 to support the Key Hole Cancer
Appeal (a Southend University Hospital Charity). The charity approached the airport to place their static bicycles within the
entrance concourse to encourage passengers to donate towards the staff as they cycled their way through the day. The
bicycles had been to varying companies within Southend and were at the airport for 3 days moving between the terminal,
Ground Handling office and the Fire Station.
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In the week of Armed Forces Day, Mark Francois, Minister of State for Defence
Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, joined local Word War II veterans and airport MD
Alastair Welch to open a new sculpture installation by John Atkin at London Southend
Airport in 24 June 2013.
The public art for the new terminal and hotel was part of the on-going regeneration of
London Southend Airport. The airport worked with Commissions East and Rochford
and Southend-on-Sea Councils to commission world renowned sculptor John Atkin
FRBS to create artworks that reflected the airport's wartime and commercial past
through to its present day activities.
A group of pupils from St Nicholas Special School are looking forward to undertaking a
drama course – all thanks to Leigh Town Council, Amanda Restell Academy of Dance
and London Southend Airport.
The airport was the proud sponsor of the 2013 Leigh-on-Sea Lights, donating £250 for
the winning float in the annual parade for the victors to give to a charity of their choice.
Passengers using London Southend Airport in June 2013 were treated to a unique
artistic experience.
Southend-based artist Jesse Diss is a talented screen printer, painter, sculptor and
musician. In summer 2013 he exhibited a brand new collection of screen prints based
on the music of the Delta Blues in the picturesque village of Deia in Majorca and had
a taster collection from the exhibition on show within the terminal.
Every year the Vulcan aircraft located at London Southend Airport opens its gates to
the public to allow people to come and remember the bomber. It offers young and old
alike the chance to sit in the cockpit and learn more about the Trusts aims. The
London Southend Airport fire crew also attend every year to promote the airport and
to hand out goodies to all those who attend.
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Thank you for taking the time to read our Annual Report.
We would welcome your comments and feedback – you can contact us;
LSAenquiries@SouthendAirport.com
London Southend Airport Co. Ltd.
Southend on Sea
Essex
SS2 6YF
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